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OBEDIENCE CLASSES
Good Dogs of America Merit Bad Program Held on the First and Third Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. $5.00 per class badges - $3.99 each bandana $8.95 No Reservations Needed	The Good Dogs of America™ Merit Badge program provides a fun and colorful way to show pride in your dog and it’s accomplishments! It also provides you with a good guideline for basic obedience training as well as some fun tricks. Good Dogs of America™ is a great next step for puppies and adult dogs who have completed a basic obedience class and for people who are unable to commit to a weekly training routine, and find that a flexible training program, where they can work at their own pace will fit better with their lifestyle. Participating dogs earn badges for their accomplishments, which can be displayed on the beautiful Good Dogs of America™ orange bandana! Remember scouts? Participation in the Good Dogs of America™ program is a great next step if you are working to get your dog tested as a Canine Good Citizen through the AKC or are working toward becoming a therapy dog. Our program offers the flexibility of attending meetings at your leisure. Robin Sockness, who also teaches our Courteous Canine class (see below), is the instructor.
Basic Dog Obedience Training Thursday, November 10, 2011 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm 5 weeks (11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8 and 12/15) $90.00 Click here to register	For those dogs who need to learn some "manners", who need a refresher course, or just need to learn how to socialize a bit more. The trainer for the Basic Obedience classes is Greg Franklin.  Greg, who owns ABC Dog Training, has been involved in training dogs since 1990 when he took on the challenge of working with an extremely destructive Samoyed, aptly named "Cujo".  Remarkably, Cujo went on to win "Best in Breed" at a local A.K.C. show.  Greg's focus turned to law enforcement training when he acquired his first German Shepherd Dog.  He became a State Certified Law Enforcement Instructor and worked with such agencies as the Riverdale Police Department, the City of Decatur, and Clayton County Narcotics.  But the love of pet dogs drew him back to the private sector in 2001.  Greg not only conducts the adult obedience classes, he also teaches the agility classes and offers private instructions either here at DDC or at your home.  For more information on Greg, check his website at www.abcdogtraining.net.
Intermediate Adult Obedience First Quarter 2012 - date TBA 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm 6 weeks $100.00 (fee includes CGC® test fee) Click here to register	Adult Obedience II (Intermediate) is geared toward those dogs who have some mastery of basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “down”, “stay”, etc., but are inconsistent in following those commands, particularly when off leash. Taught by Greg Franklin, this class will utilize common, everyday distractions (e.g. knocking on doors, other dogs walking by, leaving the room, etc.) while working on reinforcing obedience commands. Emergency commands will also be introduced in order to better simulate real life situations. All classes are centered around the task of passing the AKC's performance evaluation and certification as a Canine Good Citizen®. The Canine Good Citizen test will be administered on the final night of class.
The Puppy Courteous Canine Tuesday, November 15, 2011 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 5 weeks  (11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20 - no class 11/22) $110 MyBestBuddyDogTraining registration	The Courteous Canine class is for puppies up to the age of 20 weeks and is for people-friendly and dog-friendly dogs.  This basic manners class focuses on gaining attention, building confidence, calming, impulse control and settling-down.  Positive reinforcement methods such as the use of treats, toys, physical affection, verbal praise and/or clicker training are used.  The class is taught by Robin Sockness.  For more information you can visit Robin's website at www.MyBestBuddyDogTraining.com.
The Adult Courteous Canine (Clicker Class) Saturday, January 7, 2011 10:00 am - 11:30 am 5 weeks  $110 MyBestBuddyDogTraining registration	The Adult Courteous Canine, also taught by Robin Sockness, is a manners class, with training techniques designed for older puppies and adult dogs.  Skills are taught in a fun, force-free environment, building the bond of trust. Classes are small to allow for individualized attention.  Clicker reinforcement is the primary method of training. This is a small class - 4 dogs only - so reserve your spot now.  The final class will be held outside in a local park so that participants can work on real world skills. This class is for dogs 20 weeks and older and focuses on gaining attention, building confidence, calming, impulse control and settling-down.  Behaviors learned include loose leash walking, healing, polite greetings, reliable recalls. This class is suitable for older dogs that have have never taken a class before or for dogs needing to brush up on some skills.  The Adult Courteous Canine Training class is for people-friendly and dog-friendly dogs and is not a class to address serious behavior problems.  As such, the class is initially taught on-leash until all dogs can be assessed and deemed safe to play with each other and train off-leash. If your dog is reactive toward other dogs, is fearful, or unfriendly to people you will be best suited to have private instruction. New students will need to provide proof of vaccines on first visit. You will receive a treat pouch and clicker.  For more information you can visit Robin's website at www.MyBestBuddyDogTraining.com.